EMPTY: Police officers at the scene in Auckland where a suspicious package was found.

Police have "exploded" a suspicious package found on Queen St this afternoon, according to a witness.

The package, which was found at 305 Queen St, the site of Q Theatre, was reported to police by a member of the public about 1pm.

Scenic Hotel manager Ken Moffett said police told staff to evacuate guests before they exploded the packed.

KEN MOFFETT CHECKING: A bomb disposal expert examines the device left at a bus stop i central Auckland.

"They just said they were going to explode [the package], and everyone must get out of the building out a side entrance in case when it exploded it broke glass," he said.

"Then we heard an explosion and about 20 minutes later, we were let back in."

Moffat said he believed the suspicious package was a black box left on a bench.

Police have cordoned off Queen St between Mayoral Dr and Wakefield St to all traffic and pedestrians.

People are urged to avoid travelling in the area.

Defence Force personnel are on the scene and investigating.

Police would not comment.